So now your interest is piqued and you want to get involved in an outdoor adventure sport. Here’s some answers to frequently asked questions:

Do you have to be in great physical shape?

The quick answer is no. All of those interviewed for this story agree that people of all ages and all sizes can get started in outdoor activity. Of course, check with your doctor if you have a medical condition that might be of concern.

Also, keep in mind not all outdoor sports have to result in an adrenaline rush. Camping, hiking and fishing are all activities that get you outside. And sports like kayaking or biking can be as leisurely or as fast-paced as you want.

How much will it cost?

Kayaks cost between $350 and $1,100 to purchase; rentals for the day run from $25 to $35 to encourage customers “to try it out before making a financial investment” and lessons are $35 for a two-hour tutorial and $145 to $155 for multi-day courses, and “classes in between,” Colleen Harvey of Heart of Texas Kayaks said.

Memberships at Boulders rock climbing gym run from $39 a month for individuals to $69 for families. But, you can walk in the door and have a quick tutorial and be on the wall for the day for $21.65, including rental gear. Also, ask about specials that can get you set up with your own gear, a tutorial lesson and the first month of your membership starting at about $149.

At Sun Country Bikes, bikes and helmets range in price from $400 to $1,000, or “as much as people want to spend,” said John Bolin, manager of Sun Country Bikes.

Where can I go?

There are a number of city parks and lake parks in Bell County that are great for hiking, including Miller Springs Nature Center.

For mountain biking, Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area offers three trails ranging from four to 14 miles (there is a fee on top of the admission fee into BLORA). Cameron Park in Waco also has trails.

For kayaking, the Lampasas and Leon rivers and lakes are close by, but if you’re willing to drive a couple of hours, there’s the San Marcos, Guadalupe and Llano rivers, all of which have outfitters that can set you up with rentals. Check out www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/paddling trails to find out more.

For rock climbing, the boulder wall at Rogers Park on Lake Belton is in Bell County, and Boulders sets up excursions to other climbing sites in the Austin area.

In addition, Texas has more than 100 state parks and historic sites that provide opportunities for these activities, as well as many others. You can get a list of those parks at www.tpwd.state.tx.us.

What about safety issues? Aren’t these sports dangerous?

There are inherent risks to most outdoor activities, and basic rules of safety apply, no matter the activity. These include make sure you have proper training from a certified instructor, making sure the equipment is dependable, and drinking plenty of fluids while outdoors.

For each sport, there are more specific safety rules that you will learn when receiving instruction.

At Boulders, management works to make the sport as safe as possible.

“We spend as much money as we can to make it almost impossible to hurt yourself,” general manager Trey Oliver said, adding that everything in the gym is “overengineered.” The ropes that hang along the walls could hold a car.

Harvey gives all her kayakers the No. 1 rule. “It’s my Mom’s rule. If you go out on the water, you wear a PFD (personal flotation device). Everyone has to follow Mom’s rule.”

tleytham@temple-telegram.com